A slide guitar is one of the amazing accessories you can use on your guitar. Depending on your taste, it can be used with an acoustic, an electric, or even a 12-string guitar. And there are also lap steel guitars, which tend to extinct but are still used by so many musicians.
The distinctive sound of slide guitar is something you can’t ignore to feel. It is like everything stops when a well-played slide guitar solo comes when we listen to our favorite tracks.
The White Stripes – Seven Nation Army
Tuning: Open A (E A E A C# E)
“Seven Nation Army” is probably one of the most famous rock songs of the 2000s. The song was released in 2003 and got very popular worldwide immediately. I can’t think of a White Stripes without this song.
I still wonder how Jack White knows how to write very simple riffs and melodies brilliantly. Nonetheless, his songs have such an impact on the audience. “Seven Nation Army” is a good example of writing simple, catchy slide guitar patterns. The chorus part is played with a slide technique.
Red Hot Chilli Peppers – Scar Tissue
Tuning: E Standard (E A D G B E)
Red Hot Chilli Peppers has a very authentic sound and musical composition. Being so widely popular and writing unique songs is not a state for everybody to achieve. As a guitarist, who likes to experiment with music and instruments, John Frusciante also uses slide ring and slide guitar techniques in particular songs.
“Scar Tissue” is one of their greatest songs with smooth and simple slide guitar melodies. It was released in 1999, and we still listen to it like it was almost written yesterday. The slide part is the guitar solo.
The slide technique is often associated with blues. For more blues songs, check out my other article Top 30 Famous & Easy Blues Songs For Beginners – Tabs Included
Lynyrd Skynyrd – Free Bird
Tuning: E Standard (E A D G B E)
Is there anybody who didn’t even hear the famous intro slide guitar solo of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Free Bird”? It is not a coincidence that this song is got so popular. Because it is written, composed, and performed brilliantly.
I think there is so much to learn from “Free Bird.” The song has many aspects to it in terms of progressivity, guitar playing, and technique. The intro part 2 is where the slide guitar comes. You will feel like a free bird playing the slide guitar parts!
Pink Floyd – Shine On You Crazy Diamond
Tuning: E Standard (E A D G B E)
“Shine On You Crazy Diamond” is one of the deepest and most genius songs ever written by humankind. The song was first released in 1975 and had nine parts of different sections.
It is claimed that “Shine On You Crazy Diamond” to the former band member Syd Barret after he left the band due to psychological problems.
“Shine On You Crazy Diamond” has a beautiful slide guitar solo. You can not miss when the slide part comes because David Gilmour has a distinctive slide guitar tone. The first guitar solo on the song is played with a slide.
Shine On You Crazy Diamond Guitar Tabs
ZZ Top – Sharp Dressed Man
Tuning for the slide guitar solo: Open G (D G D G B D)
“Sharp Dressed Man” is probably one of the most famous songs of ZZ Top. It was released in 1983 and appeared on the album, Eliminator.
ZZ Top has a unique style of a true American rock look and music that you know when you hear it. They use a lot of slide guitar in their songs. The guitar solo here is played with a slide. So it is a band to check if you suppose to study slide guitar and “Sharp Dressed Man” is one of them.
If you want to learn some bluegrass songs, check out my other list Top 35 Famous&Easy Bluegrass Guitar Songs For Beginners – Tabs Included
George Harrison – My Sweet Lord
Tuning: E Standard (E A D G B E)
George Harrison is maybe the most underrated musician and a genie of the Beatles. He has many great songs and ideas for the Beatles and his solo projects. I think he is a brilliant musician and an artist.
“My Sweet Lord” is one of the most beautiful songs from his album All Things Must Pass. You should listen to it if you didn’t yet. “My Sweet Lord” has a smooth, emotional slide guitar solo that is worth checking.
The guitar melodies are all played with slide guitar.
Foghat – Slow Ride
Tuning: Open E (E B E G# B E)
“Slow Ride” is like a big anthem for a generation! You can’t think of Foghat without this song. It was released in 1975 and got very successful after that. You might know the song also from the 1993 movie Dazed and Confused. And it got used in so many TV shows until now.
“Slow Ride” has various patterns of slide guitar in it that are worth listening to. Watch out for the fast and crazy part of the song at the end! Guitar I is for the slide guitar on the link.
Derek and the Dominos – Layla
Tuning: E Standard (E A D G B E)
Everybody knows “Layla” probably from the record of Eric Clapton. However, Clapton first composed the song with Jim Gordon, which was first recorded by the band in 1970.
This version is as beautiful as Clapton’s recording. And it has a big writing story behind it, like Eric Clapton and George Harrison or Clapton with the other musicians of Derek and the Dominos.
Derek and the Dominos are almost like a superband, and Duane Allman is the master of slide guitar. The song has distinctive slide guitar parts that you should try playing. The 3rd chorus goes into a slide guitar.
If you got a 12-string guitar and want to learn some songs on it, check out my other list 50 Epic 12 String Guitar Songs Of All Time – Tabs Included
Joe Walsh – Rocky Mountain Way
Tuning: E Standard (E A D G B E)
Joe Walsh is a great musician. He got involved in so many superbands besides he plays in the Eagles. Walsh has been making music since 1965. And he is a true rock legend.
“Rocky Mountain Way” was released in 1973 while he was playing with the Barnstorm. Joe Walsh uses a newly invented talk box in this record. And it sounds unbelievable!
You should immediately check if you haven’t heard the legend talk box solo and the crazy slide guitar parts of “Rocky Mountain Way.” Every part is played with a slide except the third solo.
Rocky Mountain Way Guitar Tabs
Lynyrd Skynyrd – Ballad Of Curtis Loew
Tuning: E Standard (E A D G B E)
“Ballad Of Curtis Loew” is another great example of the magical slide guitar playing of Lynyrd Skynyrd. The song appears on the band’s legendary album, Second Helping. “Ballad Of Curtis Loew” is one of the band’s all-time greatest.
The band Phish has even performed this great song many times. They like to use slide guitar in their music also. So, give this song an ear if you are into slide guitar and its magic. The tabs here for the melodies and solos to play with a slide.
Ballad Of Curtis Loew Guitar Tabs
George Harrison – Give Me Love Give Me Peace On Earth
Tuning: E Standard (E A D G B E) Capo on the 3rd fret
“Give Me Love Give Me Peace On Earth” is the most beautiful song by George Harrison, I think. I got immediate goosebumps every time I heard this song. It was released in 1973 as a single.
The song combines Western gospel music and traditional Hindu bhajan music. It is a great song, both lyrically and musically. And it got these perfectly played slide guitar parts like you hear a Hindu sitar. Listen to it. It is just beautiful!
Here the lead part and the guitar solo are played with a slide.
Give Me Love Give Me Peace On Earth Guitar Tabs
Steve Miller Band – The Joker
Tuning: Full Step Down (D G C F A D)
“The Joker” is probably the most famous and successful song of the Steve Miller Band. It was released in 1973 and is still listened to widely.
As the song’s name implies, it has a childish touch. Steve Miller uses a fun and experimental slide guitar technique on “The Joker” that you should listen to. Steve Miller has a unique way of playing the slide guitar. The guitar solos are played with a slide. Have fun!
ZZ Top – Just Got Paid
Tuning: Half Step Down (Eb Ab Db Gb Bb Eb)
“Just Got Paid” is a great example of a hard-rock blues with slide guitar parts. It was released in 1972. I think this song is too fast and aggressive for that year and even for now as a hard-rock blues song.
Although “Just Got Paid” is almost a heavy metal song, it has slightly easy slide guitar parts that you can play easily. Here are the tabs for it. Don’t miss this special song. Guitar II on the tab plays slide guitar.
Elmore James – Dust My Broom
Tuning: Open D (D A D F# A D)
First, “Dust My Broom” is an original Robert Johnson song from 1936. In 1951 Elmore James brought the song to another level by recording a new version and his legendary slide guitar playing.
You are in the right place if you like a true Mississippi way of blues and slides. Please, listen to this song and study the slide guitar parts carefully to meet the devil at the crossroads and the soul of the legend Robert Johnson, one of the best blues guitar players and songwriters of all time. Guitar I here is playing the slide guitar.
Led Zeppelin – In My Time of Dying
Tuning Open A (E A E A C# E)
It is sometimes hard to find words to describe a band like Led Zeppelin and its music. I can’t think of a history of rock without them. They brought so many techniques and different approaches to the music itself and inspired the world of music lovers.
“In My Time of Dying” is one of the great examples of Jimmy Page playing a slide guitar. This song is written for slide guitar. Even the vocal melodies of Robert Plant follow the guitar parts.
Don’t miss this song if you are into playing slide guitar. Jimmy played most of the parts with a slide, but be careful because he was using a mix of slide and one-finger chords at the same time.
In My Time Of Dying Guitar Tabs
Led Zeppelin – Travelling Riverside Blues
Tuning: Drop D (D A D G B E)
Another beautiful example of Led Zeppelin’s slide guitar songs is “Travelling Riverside Blues.” The song was released in 1982. It is so great to hear a player like Jimmy Page!
As the name of the song implies, “Travelling Riverside Blues” is a pure road blues song with perfectly played slide guitars. Robert Johnson wrote it in 1937, by the way. As a Johnson fan, Led Zeppelin took the song to another level with their version.
Led Zeppelin surely has to tribute to the legendary blues player Robert Johnson like this. The guitars are played with a slide except for the solo part.
Travelling Riverside Blues Guitar Tabs
J.J. Cale – Cocaine
Tuning: Standard (E A D G B E)
You probably know “Cocaine” from Eric Clapton’s version. However, it was originally written by J.J. Cale and was first released in 1977. I love the Clapton version, but this is worth checking.
J.J. Cale’s “Cocaine” is a must for this list. Because the slide guitar parts are unique in this song, in my opinion. You can learn how to play it easily. The solo part is played with a slide. Have fun with it!
Blind Willie Johnson – Dark Was The Night, Cold Was The Ground
Tuning: Open D (D A D F# A D)
“Dark Was The Night, Cold Was The Ground” is one of the oldest records of gospel blues and slide guitars. The song was recorded in 1927, and it still is a legend!
The song is one of Johnson’s first releases that he recorded for Columbia Records in the late 20s. “Dark Was The Night, Cold Was The Ground” has a very easy but deep and emotional part of slide guitar that you definitely should listen to.
Here are the tabs to play it. All the parts are played with a slide.
Dark Was The Night, Cold Was The Ground Guitar Tabs
The Allman Brothers Band – Statesboro Blues
Tuning: Open E (E B E G# B E)
Blind Willie McTell originally wrote this song. He recorded it in 1928. The band Taj Mahal recorded it again in 1968. After that, in 1971, The Allman Brothers Band couldn’t take their hands off “Statesboro Blues” and made their version of it.
The song represents the legendary band’s distinctive tone and unique way of playing very well. And it got so many good critics in popular music magazines for years. Please check their “Statesboro Blues” version if you like to listen to a good way of slide guitar playing. Guitar I here is played with a slide.
The Black Crowes – Twice As Hard
Tuning: Open G (D G D G B D)
The Black Crowes is a very diverse band in its genre. “Twice As Hard” is one of the greatest songs from their first album. I love their energy and musicality. The song was released in 1990.
“Twice As Hard” is a good example of finding easy slide guitar parts. The verse parts are played with a slide.
Led Zeppelin – You Shook Me
Tuning: Standard E (E A D G B E)
“You Shook Me” was released in 1969 and is one of Led Zeppelin’s greatest examples of playing the slide. It is a very seducing song to play and listen to.
Listen carefully to how Jimmy Page plays his guitar and follow the tabs attentively. All the guitar parts here are played with a slide.
Robert Johnson – Come On In My Kitchen
Tuning Open E (E A E A C# E)
Robert Johnson is like an inventor of slide guitar, or at least he made it popular by making an agreement with the devil and writing the creepiest slide guitar compositions.
“Come On In My Kitchen” is a beautiful Robert Johnson that you can hear the slide playing in your guts. The whole song is played with a slide here.
Come On In My Kitchen Guitar Tabs
Ben Harper – Ground on Down
Tuning: Open C ( C G C G C E)
If you are into slide guitar, you should check what Ben Harper has been doing for years. He usually plays lap steel or sometimes just with a slide ring in a brilliant way.
“Ground on Down” is one of his successful lap steel songs that was listened to widely. The whole song is played with a slide here.
Aerosmith – Draw The Line
Tuning: Open G (D G D G B D)
Blues very much influence Aerosmith’s music. And you can notice there are always small slide guitar parts in their songs here and there. “Draw The Line” is one of them and was released in 1977.
The guitar II and IV are played with a slide. Have fun!
Johnny Winter – Highway 61 Revisited
Tuning Open D: (D A D F# A D)
Johnny Winter is like a new god to slide guitar. He mastered and performed it very well with his classical highway blues approach. “Highway 61 Revisited” is a great example of how he plays.
This song might be harder than the others on the list for you. But it’s worth it for you to try. The lead guitar is all played with a slide.
Highway 61 Revisited Guitar Tabs
The Rolling Stones – No Expectations
Tuning: Open E (E B E G# B E)
“No Expectations” is a great song to begin with if you are into slide guitar playing. It has a very slow tempo and simple patterns of slide guitar.
Here plays the slide guitar Brian Jones, which is guitar one here on the tab link. He left these beautiful patterns of acoustic guitar before he left. Don’t miss this beauty!
The White Stripes – Sister Do You Know My Name?
Tuning: Open Eb (Eb Bb Gb Db Ab Eb)
“Sister Do You Know My Name?” is a great song from the White Stripes. Jack White plays a very simple riff that he plays with a slide here. Use a slide for riff 1 when you play this song.
Sister Do You Know My Name? Guitar Tabs
Jeff Beck – I Ain’t Superstitious
Tuning: Standard E (E A D G B E)
Jeff Beck is one of the authentic guitar players of all time. “I Ain’t Superstitious” has beautiful slide guitar parts that you might want to mess with. Play the second half of the tabs with a slide.
I Ain’t Superstitious Guitar Tabs
Ry Cooder – Feelin’ Bad Blues
Tuning: Open D (D A D F# A D)
“Feelin’ Bad Blues” is one of the slowest and most vibrant blues songs ever. Ry Cooder is playing the slide beautifully here. The whole song is played with a slide.
The Allman Brothers – Old Friend
Tuning: Standard E (E A D G B E) with a capo on the 2nd fret
“Old Friend” is a perfect example of a classic American slide guitar playing. The whole song is played with a slide. Don’t miss this one.
Eric Clapton – Running On Faith
Tuning: Open G (D G D G B D)
“Running On Faith” is one of Clapton’s beautiful songs that he plays with a slide. It sounds like a classic Clapton song, but Lynyrd Skynyrd is playing it. If you are into slide guitar, you should give this song an ear.
“Running On Faith” was released in 1989, and it got a great unplugged version that is worth to listen.
Seasick Steve – Cut My Wings
Seasick Steve is an urban legend. “Cut My Wings” was released in 2006 and got very popular after. He plays the whole song with a slide. He uses a unique tuning, and you find the tuning details on the tabs link.
Please spend time with the video a little because Seasick Steve has a brilliantly crazy style of playing slide guitar.
The Derek Trucks Band- Sahib Teri Bandi
Tuning: Open E (E B E G# B E)
The Derek Trucks Band is massive. They make great music, and Derek loves to add that slide touch to almost every song they play. “Sahib Teri Bandi” was released in 2006. You should give an ear to this band as a guitarist.
The tab shows Derek’s guitar part, and the whole tab is played with a slide. Listen carefully to how he plays because he has different picking and strumming.
Eric Clapton – Walking Blues
Tuning: Open G (D G D G B D)
“Walking Blues” was released in 1992 by Eric Clapton. Robert Johnson originally wrote the song. It is one of the great examples of slide guitar, and Clapton takes it to another level.
It has a classic blues progression. And the whole song is played with a slide.
Conclusion
There are so many guitarists from different genres who have played the magical slide guitar technique. From David Gilmour to Eric Clapton, Robert Johnson to Jack White, everybody uses it distinctively. It is evolving every day, and as guitarists, we should keep following the new songs to improve our ears and playability.
As you see, slide guitar comes with very diverse styles of playing, tuning, and sound. I hope you like playing and listening to the songs on the list. Let this list be an inspiration for you on your slide guitar journey.
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Number one and two should be Peter Greens Fleetwood Mac.. Heart beats like a hammer and Shake your money maker… Find me a more rocking couple of slide guitar songs… I’ll wait.
haha, I will surely add them when I update the list, thanks!